Dear Reader - a bittersweet weekend ahead..
The Big Thing
The biggest sporting event in Jamaica is nothing to do with soccer, basketball or even baseball. It is the National Boys and Girls Athletics Championships - the ‘Champs’ as it is affectionately known.
To Jamaicans it is the highlight of the sporting year, with crowds of 30,000 people gathering from across the island to watch over 100 schools battle it out for title of "King" or "Queen".
It is a showcase for emerging talent - the next generation of athletes who will represent their country at the Olympic Games or World Championships.
This event was an inspiration to me when setting up the Teenage Theme Nights over 11 years ago. To create a showcase for young musicians, where people would come from far and wide to see the next generation of talent.
And this weekend is the closest we have got yet to realising that vision.
On Saturday and Sunday we present Teenage Theme Night #35 - featuring the talents of our 100+ members accompanied by the Sligo Academy of Music Sinfionetta.
We would all love for you to join us.
It will be sad, as we are saying goodbye to a fantastic bunch of 6th Yrs.
But it will also be uplifting, and it’s for everyone - these guys are good - trust me!
Where else but Sligo?
“Do you have any idea how lucky you are to casually say yeah I’d like a choir and an orchestra on my song”?
Aileen Concannon is one of our tutors brought in to help the teens prepare for the big show this weekend. And she let the teenagers know in no uncertain terms how great an opportunity she felt they were getting.
Niamh Crowley, Sinéad Conway and Dave Flynn have also been involved over the last few weeks.
It is always amazing to see Niamh in full control of her orchestra and Saturday was no different - 20 new pieces tackled with the minimum of fuss.
Aileen and Sinéad took the 4th/5th Yrs through their vocal paces, and despite Dave having had a crazy few Sweeney Todd months, he was in great form and taught the choir their 4 songs in just 90 mins!
What’s New?
BILLY AND ELTON: For any fans of these two fantastic piano men, we have a combined seven songs from their back catalogues on this weekend’s setlist.
EOIN AND LIAM: Our last show in March saw the emergence of two fantastic TY guitarists. We have paired them together on a few songs for this show!
THEME NIGHTS UNPLUGGED SUCCESS: A big thanks to the Captain and Lady Captain for the invite to play at Co. Sligo Golf Club last Thursday (Lady Captain happens to be a decent fiddle player too). It was a wonderful evening! More Theme Nights dates announced next week.
Finally…
Our Academy members may be young but they know their history!
Here is one classic choice for this weekend’s show…
Till next time - Kieran.
